Lance Armstrong Pulls Out Of US Masters Swimming Competition After FINA Complains

The same day Armstrong announced he would participate at a U.S. Masters Swimming competition at the University of Texas this weekend, the disgraced cyclist pulled out, AP reports.

Armstrong’s decision was voluntary but came after The International Swimming Federation (FINA) asked the competition to revoke his entry, the news outlet reports.

Armstrong, who was stripped of his Tour de France titles after he admitted to doping, is banned for life from U.S. Anti-Doping Agency events. At first, Armstrong was allowed to compete in the swim meet because it didn’t fall under the agency’s jurisdiction, Swimming World Magazine reports.

But apparently that wasn’t the case. Citing the organization’s regulations, FINA stated the swim competition must recognize the World Anti-Doping Code.

In fact, Swimming World Magazine pointed out the discrepancy back in January and reached out to Rob Butcher, the executive director of U.S. Masters Swimming, for a comment. Butcher stated a grievance must be filed for a member to be in clear violation of the rules.

In light of FINA’s recent statement, Butcher explained on CNN that his organization was bound to the USADA decision and Armstrong is ineligible.

"After giving them this news, his people, not talking to him directly but his management team, said, 'You know what: We don't want to cause harm to your organization. We're not trying to create a sideshow circus for you guys,'" Butcher said about Armstrong’s decision to withdraw.

In an attempt to prevent the person from committing suicide, Avleen K. Mokha in her Facebook post wrote, "Don't go ahead with this tonight. There's more in life to look forward to beyond tonight. Please be there to see it."